Story: Ovid's Metamorphosis

The world had become corrupt. Men and women from all nations had turned against the Gods and were beginning to challenge them. Jupiter the leader of the Gods began to grow tired of his creations rebellion, he began to see the need for change amongst them. So he made his decision and with the help of his brothers, Gods of the Sea and of the Land, they began to destroy the earth.

Flood waters rose, earthquakes began to destroy everything they had built, homes, temples, monuments were wiped off the face of the earth. And within a matter of days the world was reduced to nothing, with no sign of ever having life. Creatures both guilty and innocent far and wide were destroyed, but in the wake of there destruction Jupiter had a plan.

In the wake of all destruction he saved two sets of men and women, his plan was devious, but would bring balance back to the earth. Decillion, Pyrnna, Ossiccus, and Mirranha were the only humans to survive, but they wished that they had not, for in the wake of destruction Jupiter had come to each of them and had told them of his plan.
"Today there shall be nothing remaining, except for you, my good and faithful servants. I have chosen you to start the world anew, but your purpose will not yet be fulfilled. On this earth I have saved two others, very much like you, whoever among you survives will be given glory and whoever among you dies will face suffering that which the likes have never been felt before."

This grieved and terrified both pairs of couples, but each pair new what had to be done. Each group began to prepare for what was to come, until the fateful day when the four met.
With the Gods watching on, in awe of Jupiter's mighty plan, they could do nothing for all feared the wrath of Jupiter, for even the Gods fear him.

(Gods looking down below)

So the pairs began to attack one another, seeing the desperation in each others eyes. Decillion and Pyrnna against Ossiccus and Mirranha. They fought for glory. They fought out of fear. They fought for each other, not wanting themselves to suffer the fate that Jupiter would laid upon them if they were to lose. In there fight they had forgotten one thing, the Gods who had put them there, this is precisely what Jupiter had intended. The ones to remember the Gods and to seek them out for help would be the true winners, and gain the right to recreate the human race. Then it happened, Ossiccus who saw his true love Mirranha struggling to hold her ground against Pyrnna fled to her aid knowing that he had made himself vulnerable. He saved her and brought her to safety, but in his moment of aid was struck down by Decillion. Mirranha who saw the horrid fate of her love, and knew of hers to come cried out to the Gods to let her be with the one whom she loved. She begged and pleaded with them and in the end asked to have the horrible fate that Jupiter had promised. In that moment, right before she was to be killed, a great flash and the sound of a thousand thunders struck right around her, and she knew that this was it. In a only a moment though, she stood up, not knowing what had occurred only to see Ossiccus standing before her along with Jupiter who told them of there sacrifice and that they had truly stood the test that was given. And so these lovers were given the gift of life and were put to the job of rebuilding this world, with the help of the Gods of course. And so it was. The true test of the Gods was known, to love fiercely both the Gods and those around us.

Author's Note: I changed this story quite a bit from the original. The original story told of a flood that was formed by the Gods to wipe out everything but two people had survived and were found faithful to the Gods, so they were spared. They sought the Goddess Themis for wisdom and to understand what to do next. Through them they recreated the population of people and animals after seeking continued wisdom from Themis. They sought to work hard and to rebuild what they had known in a better form. Through this they recreated the world to be made better through hard work and faithfulness. I liked the idea of showing the true battle that was to be won, and what the God's might have intended. I wanted to make this story a little more dramatic as well, so I added a competition between two pairs of lovers, to show the sacrifice that one should take for those they love. Throughout the original story it talks about the wrath that was placed by the God Jupiter. My story shows the true meaning about what the Gods had intended for people. This story fits the theme of love and sacrifice.

Bibliography: Ovid's Metamorphosis: Deucalion and Pyrrha translated by Tony Kline; link to reading

Story: The Demon-King

After a short time had passed the Monkey King returned to his kingdom. He found it desolate and as barren as a wasteland. "Children, where are my children." Out from behind the rubble and among the rocks apes by the hundreds came to him with fear in there eyes. "What has happened here," the Monkey King questioned. "He came in the night. We fought as well as we could and were able to hold off most of the attacks, but he was able to capture many," the apes replied looking down in anguish. "Where, where is my wife." In the battle that had happened the leader of the evil forces, the Demon King had swooped down and taken The Monkey King's wife. The Monkey King had to get her back and was willing to risk everything for her safety. So with one mighty flip the Monkey King went to the mountain that held the lair of the Demon King. "Come out you foul beast and meet your doom," the Monkey King yelled. The Demon King, who came out of his lair, stepped up to the Monkey King and was so much larger than him that he bellowed a big laugh knowing that this was sure victory. The Monkey King with his magical spear in hand began to jump all around the slower Demon King. The Demon King could not keep up with the Monkey King and was slowly being injured each time the Monkey King struck him with a blow. While the fight was occurring and while keeping the Demon King occupied all of the monkey entered the lair and began to help the captives escape to safety. The last one out of the cave was the Monkey King's wife. When the Monkey King saw his wife he became distracted for a split second and it took only that for the Demon King to connect one blow and launch the Monkey King against the mountain. His wife belted out in horror, but had no way of helping her husband. The Demon King believing he was close to victory began to walk towards the Monkey King desiring to kill the king and take all that he had for himself. The Monkey King was running out of options. He  knew that if he was to be defeated the Demon King would kill of his family and his wife. In a moment, he glanced at his magical spear, in which all of his power was held. He had no time and a decision had to be made. In an instant and with all of his strength remaining he threw the spear with the force of one giving everything he has. The spear connected right at the heart of the Demon King piercing through the thick armor. The Demon King fell and was defeated, but in that sacrifice the Monkey King had relinquished his power and his kingdom. The spear that had once belonged to the gods and killed Kings and brought nations under its power had been wiped from existence. For in the last attempt at defeating the Demon King the spear had been destroyed. In his moment of regret his wife, who had been watching from the side, ran to her husband and gave him a hug that told him that all of his sacrifice was worth it. On their journey back the Monkey King and his wife had began to talk about their future. In the middle of the conversation the clouds opened and Buddha appeared to the Monkey King. "You have proved yourself worthy to yield this blade." While the Monkey King looked up at the sky a magical blade moved towards him. For within the blade was the power and strength to rule his kingdom.

(Monkey King battling the Demon King)

Author's Note: In the original story the Monkey King was able to defeat the Devil King with ease. I made the change of making it a little more difficult and added that his wife was taken by the Devil King. I also added the spear that gave him his magical power. I wanted to add something that would be hard to give up. In the original he was never bestowed with a sword by Buddha because he didn't have a magical spear. I added that to show that sacrificing for others with bring reward for yourself in some circumstances.

Bibliography:Bibliography: The Monkey King by R. Wilhelm; link to reading

Storytelling: The Giant Elk

There once was a small village so deep in the woods that no one could find it. In this village lived a peaceful tribe who lit the night sky with fire and who sang beautiful songs of adventures and love. This village lived peacefully for hundreds of years before tragedy struck. From the forests far to the west lived an elk. This was no ordinary elk. It was giant and ferocious, feeding on all who had joy in the world. The elk had been traveling and had come upon this village only by accident. It heard the songs of the villagers with the drums beating to steps of dancers. The elk charged in and took the village by surprise, eating up all it could before heading away for its sleep. The village was in a panic. They had never faced anything of such evil before. The leader of the tribe, Sunyain, and his trustworthy friend Ugai knew that something had to be done to defeat such evil. So they followed the footprints of the elk up to a great field where they found the beast sleeping out in the open. The men hid behind some trees, not daring to get close to the elk with fear that they might wake it. "How can we kill this beast when we cannot get close enough to strike it down," questioned Ugai? As if it was listening to their conversation a leopard appeared. "I can help you my friends.

(leopard)

You see I am very quick and if you get on my back I can run to it so that you may strike it down before it hears us. That elk killled my cubs and I will do whatever it takes to help you," the leopard insisted to the men.

"It is very gutsy and we still have no weapons to strike the beast down," replied Sunyain.

"Maybe I can be of service," said a porcupine that had snuck up from behind them.

(Porcupine)

"My quills are very sharp and will serve as excellent weapons for you to strike down the creature." The group devised a plan and it was agreed upon. The two men plucked the giant quills from the porcupine's back and hopped onto the leopard. Zoom!!! They were off. They were heading full speed towards the elk with the quills aimed directly at the heart. When they were only feet away the leopard tripped and sent the men flying forward and their quills, missing the mark. The quills only injured the beast. The elk shot up with pain and sent out a bellow that could be heard throughout the entire forrest. The men, now terrified, took off running hoping that they could hide from it in the forest. The elk, after his bellowing, was now filled with anger. It charged the men and gained ground very quickly. The men had no hope of escaping. "The only chance our village has of surviving is if we kill this beast once and for all," said Ugai. With Sunyain agreeing, the two men took up their quill spears and prepared to charge the beast. Sunyain yelling out "charge" at the top of his lungs took off, but before he could get anywhere he felt a sharp pain in the back of his leg. He turned to see Ugai pulling the quill out of his leg. "I cannot let you die here. You are our leader. The people... they need you to survive, and let's face it, they don't really need me." Before Sunyain could say anything Ugai took off continuing to run at the beast. He ran past the point beyond the sight Sunyain and then as Sunyain was crying out all noise fell quiet. Sunyain stopped and listened, but heard nothing. "Ugai!!! Ugai!!" Sunyain called out, hoping to hear the voice of his dearest friend. But there was nothing. Sunyain hobbling as fast as he could came upon a sight he wished he had not seen. Before his eyes was the elk and Ugai both dead with an antler piercing Ugai through the heart and a quill piercing the head of the elk.

(Elk)

Years later, Sunyain still remembered his dearest friend Ugai. The story of his bravery had become a song that was sung every night in memory and thanks to the bravest of them all. The man who had sacrificed his life. 

Author's Note: The original story, an Apache story, tells of a single man, Jonayaiyin, who with the help of a clever lizard and gopher was able to take down an elk and an eagle that had been terrorizing their village. It tells of Jonayaiyin and his trek to where the elk and eagle both were, respectively. He is able to kill the beasts and return to his village a hero. This story has also has an influence from a God-like character who helps the village by sending a hero to kill the beasts. My story follows closely with the main idea, but I changed a few areas. I added a friend for the main character to accompany him and in the end sacrifice his life for him. I also changed the animals that provided help and used a different angle on how their plan played out. In the original it does not go into the future, but I wanted to show the impact that the friend made and his joyous celebration. 

Bibliography: Native American Hero Tales: The Killing of Monsters by Stith Thompson; link to reading

Story: Wisdom's True Heart

Once there was a man named Father Carlotta. He possessed all of the wisdom within the world and people from all over the land would seek him out for wisdom and advice.
He was not easily angered, but there was a group of men who were able to anger him. They would come to him with questions and instead of taking his advice would decide what to do on their own. Father Carlotta saw this and felt as if his wisdom was being thrown away. Because of this he decided to no longer share his wisdom, but that he would hide it away from everyone. So he began to collect all of the wisdom that he had given away, plucking it from those who needed it most. This left people afraid and questioning every decision that they made. When Father Carlotta had succeeded in collecting all of this wisdom he sealed it in a jar and put that jar around his neck.

(Jars)

Now Father Carlotta had a daughter, Arya. Arya loved all the people of the land and they loved her back. She began to notice that the people were acting very strange and saw so many decisions that were not taken with wisdom. So she snuck into her father's room and saw the jar of wisdom around her father's neck. She did not know what to do. She could not confront him, so she began to follow him.He took the jar into the mountains and began to climb as high as he could. He began to struggle to climb when the ice had become too slick. Again and again he tried, but always he failed. Angered he did not know what to do.

Suddenly Arya jumped out from around the side. "Father, here, try this," and she showed him how to climb the ice. She showed him the metal shards she had stuck to her shoes that helped her stick to the ice and be able to climb. "And here I thought I had all the.."

The ice began to shift and collapsed below the feet of Arya. She began to fall into a chasm when her father, using the jar and the string around his neck, reached out to grab her.

(Chasm)

She grabbed the string just in time and was soon hanging over the edge. "Father, the string is about to break," Arya screamed out in terror. Father Carlotta had only an instant to decide. He could save the jar that held all of his wisdom and all the wisdom throughout the land or he could reach for his daughter saving her from certain doom. The string snapped and the father, reaching out, grabbed the sleeve of his daughter, throwing her to safety, in the blink of an eye, all while the jar containing the wisdom fell and fell to the bottom of the chasm. "Why, why did you save me? I thought nothing was more important to you than your wisdom." The father looked at the tears flowing down his daughter's eyes. "I made the wisest decision I could have ever made and I would make it again just to know that you are safe." Without the notice of the father or daughter the jar had reached the bottom and shattered. And with that shatter all the wisdom within the jar spread throughout the land giving to all who lived there wisdom.

(Icy Mountain)

Author's Note: The original story tells of a trickster-spider who had all the wisdom in the land. His role was to give wisdom to those who sought it out. Out of anger he collected all of his wisdom and devised a plan to hide it forever. A place where I made a change is in the original the wise man had gone into the woods and tried to climb a tree so he could hide the jar of wisdom in a place to where no one could every get it, whereas my story goes to the mountain where he tries to climb very high. In the original Anansi's son gave the father advice about an easier way to climb the tree. In my story I added a daughter instead of a son, but each proved to be wise without wisdom from the father when they showed their father a better way to do something. The original story Father Anansi became angry because his son made a wiser decision than he had and in his anger threw the jar of wisdom on the ground. The jar broke, spreading the wisdom all through the land.

Bibliography: West African Folktales: How Wisdom Became the Property of the Human Race by William Barker and Cecilia Sinclair; link to reading

Story: Sinbad Third Voyage, The Giant

The storm was growing stronger and stronger, and it continued to pull us where we did not want to go. Through the night we ran about the ship trying to keep it under our control, but that was worthless. Our ship was wrecked in the harbor of what looked like a deserted island.

(Deserted island)

When morning struck we looked around trying to see if where we had crashed and if there was any evidence of inhabitants, but to no avail. As the day grew longer and our repairs to the ship seemed pointless we began to understand that there was no escaping and that we would have to make our home here. To learn the land and to get to know where the best place to make camp would be we split up into two search parties. One went to the west and my group went to the east, agreeing that we would meet back at the beach where our ship was along the sand. We took off, not knowing what we would find, but staying as positive as anyone who has lost everything. As we continued to search we found something that was quite strange. We came upon what looked to be a deserted castle with towers reaching up to the skies and with doors that took two men pushing as hard as they could to open.

(Castle)

We ran inside yelling with joy and feeling that we were the luckiest men alive. Then we heard what sounded like thunder. But looking through a window we saw a blue sun-filled sky. And again we heard a BOOM! Confused, we huddled together against each other. We sat there hearing each boom get closer and closer. Then in the blink of a moment the doors, which took two of our men, swung open with ease. In came the most hideous creature. It stood probably fifteen feet high with one eye and a face crawling with disgusting things so that I couldn't even imagine where it came from. Not knowing what to do, we tried to walk around the creature and out the door without it noticing. With one swoop of its giant hand it grabbed the man right next to me. It brought him up to its eye and in a quick fit of rage tore him into two and began to peel off the meat like it was a chicken leg. Struck by fear we froze in our places as the giant walked calmly back outside. Not knowing if there were more outside we decided it best to stay inside. This continued for two days. It would come in and have a lunch of one crew mate then leave until nightfall. The third night we began to devise a plan, or at least the half of men remaining did so. And so we put our plan into place and waited for the giant to return for its night of sleep. When it did the crew and I waited for it to fall asleep. Our plan worked to perfection. We were able to stab the eye of the giant leaving it blind and also tying its feet together for it to trip. We ran as fast as we could to the door and back down to the beach to find a sight we did not expect. Four ships were waiting in a harbor with guns pointed. We ran and ran as fast as we could and turning back we saw five giants chasing after us and gaining ground. Canons began to fire and falling around us was debris from the explosions. The giants still running had the strength to deflect the cannon balls, but more kept flying. The giants searching for something to attack the ships with began pulling out full palm trees near the shore and chucking them towards the boats, sinking two in the process.

(Giants fighting)

The two ships left continued to fire killing four giants, but one still stood. The crew was giving everything they had firing at will and trying to keep their ships afloat. The crew realized they weren't going to kill this giant.

(Ship)

One of my crewmates, noticing that the giant was about to sink another ship, stopped and turned around. Not knowing what he was doing we stopped, yelling at him to come on. He looked at us with tears in his eyes and said "Tell my wife I love her and that I died with honor." In that moment he charged the giant with nothing but a sharp stick for a sword. We ran only looking back to see our comrade picked up by the final giant and eaten whole. But his sacrifice was not in vain. In that moment of pause for the giant to feast on the man, a cannonball that was perfectly aimed drove itself right into the head of the giant. With a loud thunderous boom, the giant fell, dead in his tracks. We reached the ships stunned by what we had just seen. We and the men whose ships had been sunk were swimming towards the ships. The ships not wanting to wait for any more giants to come their way took off with what was left of my crew, myself and a few other men who had survived. Looking back we knew we would not have made it if not for the love of our crewmate. We will never forget his sacrifice and we will live each and every day with the heart of two men.


Author's note: I devised this story from Sinbad's third voyage, the Giant. This story tells of the capture of Sinbad and his crew after a storm had washed them on an island. The original had a beginning portion of the story that included little trolls that delivered the crew to the island with the giants, but for the sake of word count I omitted this section and just had the crew crashing on the island with the giants. It tells of an evil giant that one by one ate member of the crew until the crew devised a plan to escape and injure the giant. One change that was different from the original was that there was a battle at the end of this story between ships and giants. I thought this would be a more action packed plot than the original story where they escape on rafts that they had built with wood from the jungle. I wanted to throw in some skills and strength, like being able to throw trees, the giants had and help the reader understand the difficulty it was killing a giant. Also I added the sacrifice to keep into play the idea of love and sacrifice that can be given for those we care about.

Bibliography: Sinbad's Third Voyage by Andrew Lang; link to reading 

Story: οικογένεια (Family)

Paris looked at her with lustful eyes, his desire overcoming any love for his country. Helen stood there aware of his stare and as he walked over to her. Before he could say anything she slapped him across the face and fled back to her true love, the King of Sparta, Menelaus. Paris filled with rage and unfulfilled lust began to plan his revenge, and from the corner of his eye he noticed a child, the child of Helen and Menelaus. In that moment, his mind was made up and in the blink of an eye he acted. Hector and the Trojans began their journey back unknowing of the kidnapped child in the lower deck of the ship. And soon they were far away.

Menelaus filled with rage burst through the door of his brother's war room as Agamemnon was discussing with his generals. "He's gone, those thieves took my child." This was the chance Agamemnon was looking for. He had been looking for the opportunity to attack the Trojans but had never been able to get the Kings of Greece together to do so. He sent out messenger after messenger to all of the Kings of Greece asking them to fulfill their promise of protecting the Queen Helen and her child. After months of preparation Agamemnon and the Kings of Greece set sail, with the largest fleet the world has ever seen, for the largest war the world has ever known.

Then there was Achilles, the greatest warrior in the world, and his cousin Patroclus whom he loved dearly. The war had been going on for three years now, the Greeks gaining ground slowly, but losing many men in the process. Achilles, who had been protecting his cousin from battle, knew that soon enough he would not be able to continue to do so. So in the wake of this understanding and with the knowledge that he would be leaving the possible chance at glory that was to be earned in the war that was happening, began to leave for Greece, not willing to risk the life of his cousin Patroclus, whom he loved more than even himself. Patroclus was furious at this decision, believing he was ready to fight and if it be to die. He had been secretly training with soldiers in other camps and learning of the struggles of battle. Filled with grief at the sacrifice his fellow Greeks are making he knew he could not leave and had made his decision of what to do. The day before they were to leave, Patroclus snuck out of his tent, and prepared for the upcoming battle that was to ensue. And so hiding himself among the battalion of troops he went to battle, not knowing of his fate and willing to give his life for his country. The battle began, Patroclus, kin of Achilles was a natural born killer. He killed dozens and fought bravely, but the forces were being overrun by Trojans cavalry. Not willing to leave his friend behind he stayed to hold off men while fellow Greeks were able to escape, and he was captured and brought back to Troy. The news soon returned to Achilles of the bravery of a long haired soldier who killed bravely and was captured, but he did not care, going to Patroclus' tent to let him know that it was time, he found it empty. Then it hit him, Patroclus was the soldier, knowing of his deep desire to gain glory in battle. This grieved Achilles deeply, and he planned his rescue of Patroclus.

(shows men using weapons and diplomacy)

Achilles, taking advantage of the full assault planned by Agamemnon on the front gates of Troy joined in with the forces. Soon the battle began, for hours the armies fought valiantly until the Greeks with Achilles at the helm pushed forward and continue to do so, barraging the front gate of Troy. Soon the gate was overtaken and the Greeks stormed into Troy, Achilles began his search and soon with his overtaking speed was far ahead of the Greek army and already up to the Kings' Palace. His ferociousness and emotion overtaking anybody who stood in his path. Then in the courtyard, he saw his cousin standing in chains next to the heroic Trojan warrior Hector. Hector was waiting for Achilles, as soon as he had heard of the cousin of Achilles had been captured he knew he would come. And the fight began, the fight that would be spoken of for centuries began. Both soldiers so skilled with a blade. Patroclus fearful of what was to become of his cousin, but Achilles was better than Hector. After minutes of fighting, Achilles found his mark and with one swing of the blade killed Hector. He cut Patroclus free of his chains and they began to flee. Soon they had run, all the way outside of the city. Both men exhausted, embraced each other with the love that only family could have. Their fate had not yet been decided, but what is true of these men was that the love of family could not be so easily broken and it shows how far one will go for those whom he loves.

Authors Note: This story was influenced by Homer's Iliad which originally tells the story of the war between Greece and Troy. King Agamemnon obsessed with power used whatever he could to attack Troy and baited Achilles to fight with the idea of eternal glory. While at war Achilles fell in love with a temple girl, who happened to be cousins of Prince Hector and Paris. It tells of the great fight between Hector and Achilles and Hector's demise. And finally it tells of Achilles and his sacrifice for love and ultimate death. I went along the path of family love is what ruled over all and left out lustful love of women who they barely knew, for the idea of family is the most important thing.

Bibliography: Homer's Iliad retold by A.J. Church Link to story.

Story: The Tiger and the Crow

There once was a lonely Tiger who was feared throughout all the jungle. No other animal would dare mess with him and so all would flee from his path.

(Tiger growling)

One evening after a kill the Tiger was feasting, with much more food than he could eat, when an injured crow appeared from hiding. 

(Animated Crow standing)

"Excuse me, King of the Jungle, I know that I am wrong to bother you, but I have been here many days and have had nothing to eat. May I, if you allow it, have some of your food whenever you're done with it and have nothing else to do with it. I would repay you with a favor if you ever should need it"

The Lion looked at the worthless Crow with a scowl and with one quick roar shunned the Crow away "You will have none of what I have here, and you should be thankful I don't kill you now. Now go away before I change my mind."

The crow cowered away, still hungry, but with hope of regaining his health. The tiger continued to eat, but when all he could eat was eaten he tossed what was remaining of the meal into the river, so that no other animal could have any of what was his, especially the Crow. He then returned to his loneliness and isolation and carried on with his life. 

Months later while the Tiger still on his own was hunting, and was about to pounce, but out of nowhere came a loud CRACK! The tiger crumpled with blood flowing down his leg could not move very well because of the severe pain in his leg. Hours turned into days for the tiger, who knew if he could not find help he would surely die. In his darkest moments began to yell out for help. Every animal knew the tiger and would not come to his aid, but in a surprising moment the crow flew down and landed by the tigers leg.

"You do not look to well tiger, it seems we have switched roles." The tiger not wanting to be messed with replied "I do not have time for your snide comments, now go away, and leave me." The crow remembering his suffering and not receiving any help looked to the tiger with true forgiveness and a desire to help and flew away. 

(Crow flying)

Moments later he returned with food for the tiger and began to help him regain strength and return to his former self. The tiger now understanding what he had been before his injury saw the forgiveness of the crow and the sacrifice and courage that it took to help him, the most evil and undeserving animal in the jungle. The tiger looked to change his ways and began to help all of those in need. Before his dying breathe years after the moment of his transformation he was surrounded by many of his new friends and others he had helped along the way. He went in peace with his best friend the crow standing right beside him. 

Author's Note. This story is about the redemption of a tiger because of the gracious actions of a crow. It shows the impact that we can have on others though acts of true kindness and forgiveness. It is based off of the fable The Lion The Mouse which tells of the help that can come from the tiniest of generosity, with a little of a total transformation and the idea of leaving behind a legacy and of new generations being changed.

Bibliography. This story is based on the fable, "The Lion The Mouse" in the Fables of Aesop by Joseph Jacobs